The government has made e-return submission mandatory for most individual taxpayers in the 2025–26 fiscal year, leading to a record 10,202 submissions on the very first day of the filing period.
Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed officially inaugurated the income tax return submission programme on Sunday, 4 August.
The following morning, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a press release confirming the sharp rise in digital submissions, noting that the number is nearly five times higher than the 2,344 returns filed on the opening day last year, when e-return filing was first introduced on 9 September 2024.
According to a special order issued by the NBR on 3 August, all individual taxpayers—except for four categories—must now submit their tax returns online. The exemptions apply to senior citizens aged 65 and above, persons with disabilities or special needs, taxpayers residing abroad, and legal representatives filing returns on behalf of deceased individuals.
NBR officials said the response has been significantly stronger this year following the new mandate.
Taxpayers are now required to file their returns through the NBR’s official e-return portal at www.etaxnbr.gov.bd.
However, individuals unable to file returns online can apply to their respective Deputy Commissioner of Taxes by 31 October, providing valid reasons. With approval from an Additional or Joint Commissioner, they may be allowed to submit paper-based returns.
Last year, over 1.7 million taxpayers filed their returns online when e-return filing was made partially mandatory. This year, taxpayers are able to pay taxes from home using bank transfers, debit or credit cards, or mobile financial services such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad.
Upon submission, taxpayers can immediately download and print their payment receipts and tax certificates online. In addition, NBR’s call centre and online helpdesk are offering instant support to assist filers.